While the Oakland A’s infield is full of new faces, there has not been that many changes when it comes to the outfield. Like last season, Coco Crisp will start in center while Josh Reddick will handle right field. However, when it comes to left field, the everyday starter is a bit of a mystery.
Right now, the Oakland A’s have Sam Fuld and Craig Gentry covering left field. Gentry began the season on the Athletics roster in 2014 while Fuld was designated for assignment by the Athletics early in the season, then claimed off waivers by the Minnesota Twins and finally reacquired by the A’s mid-season. Both came in handy during the 2014 season, though, since Reddick and Crisp sustained various injuries throughout the year and Yoenis Cespedes was traded in July. However, neither of them had originally earned the starting position out in left field.
When it comes to the 2015, it is likely that Fuld and Gentry will split time at this position. Both can easily cover the expansive outfield in Oakland and are great defensively. Additionally, Fuld bats left handed and would be in the lineup against right handed pitchers while Gentry bats right handed would bat against left handers. Offensively, this platoon seems to work perfectly in the Athletics favor.
However, Fuld has played predominantly in left throughout his career while Gentry has spent much of his time in center. Additionally, Fuld actually has a better batting average against left handed pitchers at .265 compared to his average against righties which is .229. Lastly, the Oakland A’s did like Fuld enough that they reacquired him after he went to Minnesota. If Fuld can prove that he has what it takes during spring training, then I believe that Fuld may earn more starts than Gentry in the outfield.
[Jesse Chavez is a diamond in the rough for the Oakland A’s]
Furthermore, we must also consider that the Oakland A’s now have Ben Zobrist who can play all three outfield positions. Last season, Zobrist played 38 games in left field and accumulated a 1.00 fielding percentage. If the Oakland A’s acquire another middle infielder, such as Hector Olivera, this would free up Zobrist to take a leading role in the outfield.
There are still a lot of “what ifs” when it comes to the Oakland A’s potential lineup for 2015 because it is clear that Billy Beane is not done making moves. Additionally, there are so many A’s players who can field numerous positions that it makes the lineup possibilities almost endless. Even though the Athletics have avoided arbitration and reached agreements with both Fuld and Gentry, it is still not quite clear if one of them will be appointed the left field starter for 2015.
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